Botswana’s President Duma Boko has been named among Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025, marking a momentous recognition for a leader who ushered in the country’s first peaceful transition of power since independence in 1966.
Time’s annual list, unveiled on Wednesday, celebrates global changemakers across categories such as leaders, artists, titans, pioneers, and innovators.
Boko, who rose to power following a dramatic electoral victory last October, was spotlighted in the “Leaders” category, joining the ranks of influential figures including U.S. President Donald Trump, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and entrepreneur Elon Musk.
“It includes nine leaders who are fighting for justice, equality, and democracy, at a moment when the rights of so many are at stake,” Time researchers noted in the publication of the list.
Boko’s recognition comes on the heels of a political earthquake that few anticipated.
“Few predicted the seismic election upset that made Duma Boko President of Botswana,” the magazine stated.
“Last October, the 55-year-old Harvard-trained lawyer ousted the party that had ruled the nation of 2.5 million people since its independence from Britain nearly 60 years ago.”
While praising his decisive rise, Time also highlighted the formidable challenges Boko faces in delivering on bold campaign promises.
“Despite his impressive victory at the polls, Boko has no easy way to reverse the decline and fulfil his campaign promises, which include doubling the minimum wage, expanding social benefits for new mothers and seniors, and creating thousands of new jobs.”
Boko’s inclusion marks the first time a sitting President of Botswana has been featured on Time’s prestigious list.
His appointment follows a previous honour for another rising political figure from the country, Bogolo Kenewendo, now Minister of Minerals and Energy, who was named to Time’s “100 Next” list in 2022.
With his leadership now under global scrutiny, Duma Boko stands as a symbol of democratic transformation on the African continent and beyond.
Source: mmegi
